NBN Cops Another Blow As Rival Network Rolled Out

‘A viable alternative’

The embattled National Broadband Network has just taken its latest hit with revelations more than one million Aussie homes will instead opt for a 5G mobile broadband connection.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn told the Daily Telegraph a 5G network was set to be rolled out across metropolitan locations and some regional areas from 2019, and could deliver download speeds up to 20 times faster than the fastest NBN connection.

“In another million homes in Australia, this could legitimately be a viable alternative,” he said.

“What 5G will do, it will enhance the performance of mobile technology further.

“It’s not an answer for everybody, it won’t completely replace fixed (broadband) by any stretch, but incrementally it will mean that mobile becomes a viable option for a high proportion of the population.”

While 5G is not planned to replace the NBN per se, Mr Penn said it could provide a cost-effective alternative in what would also be the world first’s “substantial 5G network”.

According to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, complaints about the NBN increased 160 per cent in the last 12 months.